Are you noticing more strands than normal in your hairbrush? Many people assume that hair loss is a problem only experienced by men, but 40 percent of women across the country also deal with this unpleasant conundrum. It's normal to shed from 50 to 100 strands of hair each day, but more than this may be cause for concern. While there are a number of possible reasons for hair loss, a new medication just might be the culprit.

The Cycle of Hair Growth

Each strand of hair goes through its own growth cycle. The hair growth cycle begins with the anagen phase in which hair grows for two to six years. In the catagen phase, which lasts approximately two weeks, the follicle shrinks. This cuts off blood supply to the follicle and stops hair growth. During the telogen phase, follicles rest for a period of one to four months. Finally, hair falls out, new hair emerges, and the cycle begins anew.

Certain medications interfere with the hair growth cycle, which can result in two types of hair loss called anagen effluvium and telogen effluvium. Anagen effluvium occurs during the growth phase and affects the normal division of cells that produce new hair. This type of hair loss often occurs shortly after beginning a medication. It can be extreme and result in the loss of eyebrows, eyelashes and other hair on the body. Chemotherapy medications are examples of medicines that can cause anagen effluvium.

The most common type of medication-related hair loss is telogen effluvium. It typically occurs after an individual has taken a medication for two to four months. The medication triggers hair follicles to enter the resting phase too early, which leads to loss of approximately 100 to 150 hairs strands per day.

Medications that Can Cause Hair Loss

In addition to chemotherapy medications, a number of other drugs can cause hair loss:

The type of medication, the amount taken and a person's level of sensitivity can all affect how much, if any, hair loss is experienced. While many people re-grow hair as soon as a medication is stopped or the dosage is adjusted, others may experience permanent hair loss. People taking a new medication who have concerns about hair loss should check with their pharmacist and health care provider. Switching to a new medication may be all that is needed.

According to research, up to 41 percent of American adults are deficient in vitamin D. Studies show that a lack of vitamin D raises risks for osteoporosis and may affect neuromuscular control and coordination. This may explain the link between vitamin D deficiency and a higher risk for falls, especially in elderly men. In balance tests requiring stepping and leaning tasks, elderly men with low levels of vitamin D showed poor performance. While elderly people have a harder time absorbing vitamin D, eating certain foods and other healthy habits can help stabilize vitamin D levels.

Healthy Living Tips for Getting More Vitamin D

Soak up the sun for short periods. When sunlight hits the skin, the body makes its own vitamin D. Exposure to ultraviolet B rays triggers the skin to convert cholesterol to vitamin D3. During warm parts of the year, roughly 20 minutes of daily sunshine (sans sunscreen) results in about 90 percent of the vitamin D needed for the day. After 20 minutes, people should apply organic sunscreen to protect the skin from too much sunlight.

Enjoy salmon. When it comes to healthy habits for boosting vitamin D, eating fatty fish is one of the best. In fact, one salmon filet provides all the vitamin D needed for one day. Enjoy fresh steaks or filets for dinner or salmon-salad sandwiches or wraps for lunch. In addition to providing vitamin D, salmon is an excellent source of essential fatty acids and lean protein.

Drink milk. Most brands of pasteurized milk in the United States deliver good quantities of vitamin D. Whole milk contains the most vitamin D, but skim milk still offers about 20 percent of the recommended daily value. Many plant-based milk products like soy milk, almond milk and coconut milk also offer significant amounts of vitamin D, some even more than cow's milk.

Choose products fortified with vitamin D. Check labels on breakfast cereals, yogurt and orange juice at the grocery store. Many are fortified with vitamin D and other important nutrients.

Take vitamin D3 supplements. Vitamin D3 supplements offer an easy remedy for getting adequate amounts of vitamin D during the fall or winter months. To protect bones, adults should aim for 800-1000 IU of vitamin D3 per day unless otherwise specified by a health care provider.

Getting adequate amounts of vitamin D is important for bone health and good balance. Because aging affects the absorption of certain nutrients, sufficient vitamin D is especially essential to the elderly. While many studies show a link between falls and insufficient vitamin D levels, others show a correlation between falls and high-dose vitamin D supplementation. Therefore, elderly people should have vitamin D levels checked before beginning a supplementary regimen.

One of the common aging skin problems is light or dark brown spots called age spots. They are show up on the face, chest, shoulders and hands in both men and women; and they can affect younger people, too. They are also called liver spots and are a result of dietary deficiencies and years of exposure to the harsh rays of the sun.

Topical creams and cover-ups will temporarily disguise the unsightly spots but in order to get rid of them, or at the very least lighten them so they are less noticeable, you will need to treat them from the inside out.

Supplements

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a power antioxidant that will help damaged skin cells repair themselves and prevent new ones from popping up. Antioxidants help your body combat cell damaging free radicals by neutralizing them. It also aids in circulation by extending the life cycle of red blood cells, important for transporting oxygen to cells for energy and keeping toxins from building up in the body. Research suggests vitamin E may also help slow down the aging process by protecting cellular membranes.

The recommended dosage for adults is 200 IU of vitamin E in d-alpha tocopherol form daily for maximum benefit.

Everyone should get plenty of vitamin C in their diet, even if they don’t have age spots. Found in abundance in citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits), spinach and kale, it is a critical nutrient that supports good health and can help get rid of common aging skin problems like age spots, but also fine lines and wrinkles.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant to rid your body of damaging free radicals. It also helps to combat the formation of new brown spots by offering protection against UVA and UVB rays. It’s like an internal broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Results are not immediate, meaning, you will need to take the vitamin C and be patient for up to a year for the dark spots to fade. In the meantime slather lots of sunscreen on your face, hands and where ever else spots have formed.

The recommended daily dosage of vitamin C supplements for adults is 2,000 milligrams per day.

When consumed, the body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A (retinol), which is essential for maintaining a healthy immune system, cell mucous membranes and skin. It is also an antioxidant to help damaged cells regenerate.

Prevention

Of course, the most effective way to treat age spots is to not let them form at all. You can help yourself avoid this common aging skin problem by adopting a healthy diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables, adding these supplements to your diet and applying sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher to your exposed skin every day, year round.

While Mae West famously joked, “Too much of a good thing can be wonderful!”, when it comes to multivitamins a slightly more responsible attitude should be adopted. Two new studies into multivitamin dangers have shown why the National Institutes of Health and Office of Dietary Supplements publish carefully researched Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for most dietary supplements.

Dangers of Multivitamin Excess

We all know the health problems caused by deficiencies of calcium, iron and vitamins, but in some instances too high doses can be equally unhealthy. A study in Iowa found that older women taking iron supplements actually had a slightly higher risk of dying than those who did not. This is because post-menopausal women no longer need iron supplements to offset the loss in monthly menstruation. Excess iron can cause a build-up of oxidants, the opposite of healthy antioxidants found in fruit and vegetables. The tragedy of this study result is that the women were doing everything they could to stay fit and healthy. They simply did not heed the recommended dosage.

Just like medications, while one aspirin may help reduce the risk of heart disease, 100 aspirins will kill you. When it comes to multivitamin dangers, the message is exactly the same. Read the label and take the recommended dose – no more and no less.

Another study found that men who took excessive amounts of vitamin E had a 17% higher risk of developing prostate cancer. Once again, the recommended international units (IU) of vitamin E supplements are just 22 IU per day. The participants had been taking over 400 IU per day for several years.

Although the results of both these studies are isolated and need deeper investigation, they still sound a wise note of caution about taking supplements responsibly in order to avoid multivitamin dangers.

How to Avoid Multivitamin Dangers

If you are taking a multivitamin supplement, check the label on the back for the RDA or International Units (IU) of each ingredient. In most cases you will find that the supplement provides a large proportion of your daily needs, with the balance being made up from a healthy balanced diet. Healthy people do not generally need more of each vitamin and mineral contained than that contained in a daily multivitamin.

It’s worth paying out a little more for quality multivitamins from a reputable company that specializes in health supplements. Many over-the-counter multivitamins skimp or omit some essential vitamins in order to cut costs, but this is false economy. Taking a multivitamin that is poorly balanced or lacking in certain essentials elements deceives you into thinking that you are getting your daily needs. To avoid multivitamin dangers, choose quality over price, so that you don’t need to top up with additional supplements and make sure you are staying within recommended guidelines.

A forgotten appointment, misplaced keys, or struggling to find the correct word during a conversation…some people might chock these incidents up to simple absentmindedness. For those in middle age or older however, episodes of forgetfulness can be scary, conjuring worries of Alzheimer's disease or dementia. Fortunately, according to the National Institute on Aging, memory loss is often treatable once a cause has been established. Becoming better informed can help people determine whether their forgetfulness is cause for concern.

Memory loss can strike at any time in life and is influenced by many factors. Here are some of the key causes:

Sleep Apnea

Memory loss accompanied by headache and recurrent daytime fatigue may be related to sleep apnea. This condition causes breathing to stop for brief but frequent periods in the course of a night. Research shows that untreated sleep apnea can impair spatial navigational memory, which is the type utilized to locate objects like keys.

Some medications can impact memory and may need adjustment. These include:

Medications for anxiety

Medications for diabetes

Medications for pain

Medications for reducing cholesterol

Antihistamines

Antidepressants

Sleeping pills

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Because vitamin B12 is important for healthy nerve function, a deficiency can result in confusion, memory loss, and other dementia-like symptoms. Good food sources of vitamin B12 include dairy products, poultry, beef, and fish. To ensure proper daily amounts, people can also obtain vitamin B12 through dietary supplements.

Anxiety, Depression, and Stress

High levels of anxiety or stress can affect attention, focus, and memory, particularly when paired with sleep problems. Techniques like yoga, meditation, guided imagery, or tai chi can help manage stress and improve sleep.

If left untreated, chronic anxiety can lead to depression, which can also impact memory. According to the National Institute on Aging, people can try certain types of medication and/or counseling to ease symptoms of depression.

Silent Stroke

Sometimes people have a stroke without being aware of it. While a silent stroke doesn't exhibit any of the normal symptoms, it does cause changes in brain function, which can affect cognition and memory. Vascular cognitive impairment from silent stroke can range from mild to severe.

Tips for Preventing Memory Loss

According to a study from the School of Medicine at UCLA, healthy lifestyle strategies can have a beneficial effect on memory and cognition. Take advantage of these tips to help prevent memory loss.

Don't use tobacco products.

Eat a nutritious diet, and drink plenty of water.

Get regular physical exercise.

Limit alcohol intake to no more than two drinks per day for men and one per day for women.

Manage stress levels.

Get enough sleep.

Exercise the brain with word, number, or jigsaw puzzles.

Boost brain power by reading books, learning a new language, or taking up a musical instrument.

Conclusion

People with concerns about forgetfulness should consult with a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis. Sharing symptoms and submitting to any required testing can help doctors determine what's causing your memory loss. A few beneficial lifestyle strategies help to promote a healthy brain and a strong memory.

Seeds have a lot to offer. In this article, we are going to look at the five best seeds for health. Anyone looking to boost their overall health and nutrition levels will find that seeds are one of the top options. While it is true that nuts and seeds are high in calories, it is also true that nuts and seeds provide you with a lot of nutritional bang for your buck.

Seeds are not just loaded with protein, but also with healthy fiber and plenty of vitamins, minerals, heart and brain health boosting omega fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6, as well as antioxidants. They possess disease fighting properties. In short, seeds are packed!

Finding the Best Seeds for Health: Pick Chia

The best seeds for health provide you with nutrition, long lasting energy and, of course, plenty of protein. Chia seeds have become popular and for good reason. Chia seeds are packed with nutrition like all the other seeds on our list, but unlike many other seeds, chia seeds are often well tolerated by those who have nut and seed allergies. In a rather amazing trick, high-protein chia seeds expand considerably when soaked in water or after being consumed, which help them make you feel full. If you are looking to lose weight or control your appetite, then you should certainly consider chia seeds.

Finding the Best Seeds for Health Pick Hemp

Hemp is a nutritional powerhouse. Hemp is high in omega-3 fatty acids and an array of minerals such as magnesium and iron. Combine these facts with hemp’s high protein and fiber levels and you have one of the world’s greatest seeds.

Finding the Best Seeds for Health Pick Pumpkin

When you are looking to boost mineral levels, it is tough to top pumpkin seeds. Pumpkin seeds, like the other super seeds on our list, are high in heart and brain health boosting omegas and mineral dense. In fact, pumpkin seeds have high levels of magnesium, manganese, phosphorus and zinc. If you want to boost your immune system, then pumpkin seeds are a savvy pick as zinc has been shown in studies to help boost immunity! Having trouble sleeping? If so then you definitely want to check out pumpkin seeds, as pumpkin seeds have plenty of the amino acid tryptophan. Your body can convert tryptophan into melatonin, which is a hormone linked with great sleep.

Flax makes our super seed list, thanks in part to its very high omega 3 levels. All the seeds on our list have omega 3, but flax is an omega 3 super star! Since omega 3 can help reduce inflammation throughout the body, you’ll find this seed particularly helpful when recovering from an injury. It is a good idea to consume flax seeds in moderation due to their high phytoestrogen levels; this is particularly true for men.

Finding the Best Seeds for Health Pick Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds taste great, and like our other seed picks, they are nutrient, omega and protein dense. Perhaps the single greatest reason to select sunflower seeds is that they are high in many B vitamins as well as vitamin E and zinc, which of course helps boost the immune system. Sunflower seeds are a winner.

Together these five seeds can help you boost your health, your immunity and maybe even help you get more sleep. Best of all, these tasty seeds can easily be worked into salads, shakes, smoothies and more!

Advancing years, the sudden onset of illness, or the death of someone close can all make us think about our own health. According to Saralyn Mark, M.D. there are five main medical conditions that top the list of women’s health issues. We look at the risk factors for each and see how experts suggest we can be proactive in reducing or preventing such health problems.

#1 Heart Disease

As the leading cause of death, heart disease is responsible for around 29% of all deaths in women, according to the CDC. Although we eventually all have to die, it is the premature death or limitations caused by heart disease that is the greatest health concern.

Regular health checks to monitor blood pressure and cholesterol can help reduce the risk along with a healthy diet, regular exercise, non-smoking and maintaining a normal body weight. Any new symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest, and shoulder or jaw pain should be reported to your doctor and investigated.

#2 Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is understandably one of the main women’s health issues as it is the most common cancer for women. Risk factors include family history, age, alcoholism, lack of children, genetics and race, with Caucasian women having a higher risk of developing the disease than African-American women.

Regular self-examination can detect lumps at the earliest stage, along with mammograms. Fear and denial can stop women going to see their doctor when a lump is discovered, and this can be crucial for the best chance of survival.

#3 Osteoporosis

Another disease that affects women is osteoporosis, due to lower estrogen levels after menopause. This “brittle bone disease” affects 44 million Americans, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF).

Clinical trials by the NOF show that taking 1,000 mg calcium and 400 IU vitamin D daily reduces the risk of hip fracture and osteoporosis. Those most at risk are small, thin women with a diet low in calcium and vitamin D, particularly Caucasian and Asian women or those with as family history of osteoporosis.

#4 Depression

Depression commonly affects women more than men, and according to the National Institute of Mental Health, around 12 million women are affected each year. It may be triggered after giving birth or due to hormonal changes. Those with a family history of depression, marital problems, a stressful life or taking medications known to cause depression are most at risk. Having a purpose in life such as a job, a pet, volunteering and community work can all help. Regular exercise also releases endorphins that lift mood.

#5 Autoimmune Diseases

Disorders such as type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis and lupus are among this group of chronic diseases. Autoimmune diseases are not widely understood and you may need to consult a specialist to diagnose and address these women’s health issues that affect three times more women than men. Worrying about your health can only make things worse. Instead, take every precaution to eat and exercise sensibly, top up with daily supplements and if anything is amiss, share it immediately with your doctor.

We can all experience physical weakness at times, perhaps after a serious illness, or when we’re tired, overworked or exhausted. Short-term weakness usually passes when the cause is rectified, whether it is lack of sleep, stress or fighting sickness.

If you are experiencing ongoing weakness that does not seem to improve, you need to take steps to discover the cause and treat it. There are many possible causes of weakness including:

Poor Diet causes Weakness

If weakness is due to poor diet or intense weight-watching, analyze what you are eating. You should be enjoying a balanced diet with adequate protein, carbohydrates and fat. According to the Institute of Medicine, 45-65% of our daily calorie intake (2,000 calories total for men and 1800 for women) should come from carbohydrates, preferably multigrain bread, brown rice, beans and lentils. Ten to 25% should be derived from protein such as meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products, and around 30% of our daily calories should be from healthy fats which the body uses for energy or stores as glucose.

Colds and Sickness

In winter, colds and flu can weaken the body’s immune system. The after effects of any virus, sickness or surgical procedure can leave the body feeling drained and weak. Try eating well and include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables to boost vitamin intake and antioxidants. Consider taking a multivitamin or supplement to ensure your body is getting all the help it needs to restore itself to full health again. Another easy way to boost energy is with a green drink or smoothie to help boost immunity, provide antioxidant support and improve digestion.

Other Causes of Weakness

Try to analyze whether you are suffering from full body weakness or isolated weakness. Think back to when the weakness first began and to what it may be related. If you cannot find an obvious cause for general weakness and it does not improve, you may need to consult a doctor.

If at any time your weakness is accompanied by difficulty breathing, then you should call 911 immediately, as it could indicate a more serious medical condition. Your doctor will determine the underlying cause and treat accordingly.

In the meantime, make sure you enjoy a healthy balanced diet, maintain a healthy weight, enjoy daily exercise and any weakness should soon be a thing of the past.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, 62% of adults in the United States are overweight or obese. Consequently, over 100 million Americans are currently on diets, and revenue brought in by the U. S. weight loss industry tops $20 billion. People continue to the hunt for a magic pill or potion for shedding extra pounds, but a few ingredients found in any grocery store offer some of the best ways to lose weight naturally.

Probiotics

A study published in The British Journal of Nutrition showed encouraging results for women looking to lose weight. Researchers asked 125 overweight men and women to follow a 12-week diet plan and an additional 12 weeks of maintenance. Half of the participants also took daily probiotic supplements, and the other half took a placebo.

Results showed that women subjects who took probiotics lost almost twice as much weight as women who took a placebo. During the maintenance period, women taking probiotics continued to lose weight, while women taking the placebo plateaued. Surprisingly, the probiotics had no effect on the weight of the male subjects.

Fiber

A long-term study from the University of Massachusetts shows that simply adding fiber to the diet makes one of the easiest and best ways to lose weight. Researchers asked 240 overweight people with metabolic syndrome (high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol) to go on the American Heart Association (AHA) diet or to add at least 30 grams of fiber to their regular daily diet in the form of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

After one year, both groups lost similar amounts of weight, and the people in the fiber group showed similar reductions in blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels as the people in the AHA group. This study shows that making one easy change (adding fiber to the diet) works as well as a strict eating plan for promoting weight loss and better overall health.

A number of studies show the fat and weight-reducing effects of green tea, especially when combined with exercise. A study on mice at Penn State University showed that those who consumed decaffeinated green tea and exercised regularly showed significant reductions in body weight and better overall health.

A group of mice on a high-fat diet ingested green tea extract and engaged in regular exercise for 16 weeks. Following the research period, these mice showed an average reduction in body mass of 27.1% and an average reduction in abdominal fat of 36.6%. Additional health benefits included reductions in blood glucose, plasma insulin levels, and insulin resistance, all factors which relate to diabetic health.

With a growing number of overweight people, weight loss has become a multi-billion dollar industry. While special vitamins and costly exercise equipment boast big results, sometimes the best ways to lose weight are simple and inexpensive. Find probiotics, fiber, or green tea at any grocery store or your favorite natural supplements website.

“You are what you eat,” is as true now as it was generations ago when the saying became popular. A poor diet wreaks havoc on your entire body, but one area in particular that takes a beating is your heart.

First there was the low-fat diet craze, followed by the low-carb diet. Despite all the natural fat in many foods being replaced by partially hydrogenated oils, also knows as trans fats, heart disease continued to top the list as the number one killer of men and women. We all went on a low-carb diet to reduce our cholesterol and lose weight since fat-free didn’t seem be working and suddenly steak and bacon were back on the menu. Little did we know, until now, that diet fads would cause more harm than good.

Research over the past decade has found that trans fats, the kind used in most processed foods, is the real killer. All those low-carb foods were loaded with sugar so we could choke them down. Now we know the combination of highly processed foods loaded with sugar and trans fats are literally killing us.

A nutrient poor diet high in trans fats, lots of sugar that send blood glucose levels soaring and copious amounts of sodium is linked to high cholesterol, high blood pressure, stroke and heart attack. Notice this theme: poor diet leads to weight gain, high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure, which all increase your risk of having a stroke or heart attack.

Eat Hearty Meals

The good news is that there is a lot you can do to prevent these illnesses from happening in the first place. What you eat can have a profound effect on your heart in a simple and delicious way.

Replacing fast foods and highly processed foods with healthy fats and foods with abundant vitamins, minerals and antioxidants will help stave off high blood pressure, bad cholesterol build up and prevent strokes and heart disease from developing. Opt for fish like salmon, cod, herring or trout twice a week. Choose lean cuts of chicken, pork and beef over those marbled with fat; keep portions sizes to about the size of your fist, and only eat them once or twice a week.

Nature provides in the form of fresh fruits and vegetables. Not only do these foods have a lot of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, they are low-fat, contain healthy glucose that does not lead to sugar-spikes and then crashes, and are full of fiber. Eating them instead of processed foods will help you keep your weight in check. You will not only feel good, but look that way too.

Heart Supplements

It is nearly impossible to get all the vitamins, minerals and nutrients you need to keep your ticker in tip-top shape. A combination of a healthy diet and taking supplements is necessary to meet your dietary health goals each day. Choosing a supplement with fish oil, Resveratrol, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and quercetin is an easy way to get these heart healthy substances into your body every day.

Trading a nutrient poor diet for one that is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, but low in trans fats and carbs, will help promote longevity and a healthy heart.

Oxygen is necessary for important body functions like respiration and metabolism, but when oxygen reacts with some body tissues, it creates harmful free radicals. These unstable molecules steal electrons from other molecules, which can result in tissue damage. An overabundance of free radicals has been associated with a number of health problems including heart disease. Fortunately, potent antioxidants like vitamin C and resveratrol help neutralize free radicals and keep body tissues healthy. Learning more about antioxidants and heart health may result in a few new additions to the grocery cart and a healthier body.

Vitamin C offers a number of benefits to heart health. The powerful antioxidant helps keep blood pressure under control and is linked to lower levels of lipoproteins associated with stroke. By neutralizing free radicals, vitamin C helps to prevent hardening of the arteries, and contributes to lower cholesterol by helping to repair damaged arterial walls.

Studies on antioxidants and heart health show excellent results for vitamin C. One study found that men who consume at least 300 mg of vitamin C daily lower chances of dying from heart disease by 40 percent.

Certain foods like red grapes contain a powerful antioxidant called resveratrol. Experts suggest that it may help reduce chances for heart disease by lowering levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, or what many people refer to as "bad" cholesterol. A review study published in Cardiovascular Drug Review links regular consumption of resveratrol to lower levels of LDL cholesterol, healthier blood vessels, and fewer blood clots in animals, but more human studies are needed.

Conclusion

When it comes to antioxidants and heart health, two in particular appear to offer preventative benefits: vitamin C and resveratrol. People can obtain vitamin C from dietary supplements or from fruits and vegetables like citrus fruits, cantaloupe, pomegranates, berries, bell peppers, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. In addition to red grapes, other foods that contain resveratrol include blueberries, cranberries, and peanuts. People can also get daily doses of resveratrol through dietary supplements.

Everyone knows vitamins benefit the body, and good health starts at the beginning of the alphabet. Vitamin A is an essential, fat-soluble vitamin important to the eyes, bones, gums, skin, reproductive system, and the respiratory and intestinal tracts. Two different types of vitamin A are present in foods. Preformed vitamin A (retinol) can be obtained through animal products, and pro-vitamin A (carotenoids) are found in certain fruits and vegetables. When people don't get enough vitamin A in the diet, they may experience signs of vitamin A deficiency.

What is the first sign of vitamin A deficiency?

Because vitamin A plays a key role in eye health, people who are deficient in vitamin A first experience symptoms of night blindness. While people with night blindness see normally during the day, they have problems adjusting when light fades. A study published in The Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consumption of a daily vitamin A supplement protects against the development of night blindness. If not treated, vitamin A deficiency can progress to dry eye syndrome and other serious vision problems.

What is dry eye syndrome?

Continued vitamin A deficiency can affect the conjunctiva (or the covering on the whites of the eyes) that keep eyes moist and lubricated. The conjunctiva dry out and ulcers appear on the cornea. If left untreated, vitamin A deficiency can lead to vision loss.

What are some other signs of vitamin A deficiency?

Vitamin A triggers inflammatory response and boosts production of collagen, which helps with repair and healing of wounds. People who don't get enough vitamin A may experience slower healing and greater risks for infection. In studies, vitamin A supplementation has been shown to be particularly helpful for people who take steroid medications because steroids impair collagen synthesis. In addition to the skin, vitamin A also contributes to tooth and gum health.

In addition to promoting healthy skin (outer body lining) vitamin A helps maintain mucous membranes (inner body linings) like those of the gums, and healthy gums help anchor teeth. When gums become inflamed, adequate levels of vitamin A help to speed the healing process, but vitamin A deficiency impedes the healing process. People with chronic gum problems may want to check with a medical professional for testing of vitamin A levels.

People can prevent signs of vitamin A deficiency by eating plenty of sweet potatoes, carrots, dark leafy greens, bell peppers, fish, liver, and tropical fruits or by taking a daily vitamin A supplement. As of this writing, for men over the age of 18, the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for vitamin A is 900 micrograms (mcg). For women over the age of 18, the RDA for vitamin A is 700 mcg. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consume 770 mcg and 1,200 mcg respectively. People who suspect a vitamin A deficiency should consult with a health care professional for confirmation before starting a supplementary regimen.

Most people are aware of the changes that take place as women age and female hormones diminish. With menopause comes a variety of uncomfortable symptoms including hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain, and more. What might surprise some people is that men experience a similar phenomenon as they age. Because male hormones are known as androgens, experts have labelled this phase "andropause."

What is andropause?

Andropause is a life phase experienced as men age. While many hormones are involved in the progress of andropause, testosterone plays a key role. After men reach the age of 30, male testosterone levels decline by roughly 10 percent each decade, resulting in a variety of emotional and physical symptoms. While women enter menopause after menstruation has ceased, men have no clear-cut marker for the beginning of andropause. It takes place gradually, sometimes over a period of decades.

What are the symptoms of andropause?

Declining levels of testosterone bring about a variety of emotional and physical changes in men. Because of the variability in testosterone levels from man to man, symptoms of andropause also vary. Sexual and reproductive symptoms include low libido, a loss of interest in sex, erectile dysfunction, and infertility. Additional symptoms include muscle aches and weakness, sleep disturbance, reduced energy levels, lower physical endurance, hair loss on the body and scalp, and emotional symptoms like depression, anxiety, and irritability.

As an anabolic hormone, testosterone helps build muscles, connective tissue, and bone, so it is not surprising that men in andropause also experience reduced body composition and bone loss. Although testosterone levels decline in virtually all males as they age, there is no way to predict at what age decline will take place, nor the severity of symptoms.

Are there treatment options for andropause?

Like some women turn to estrogen replacement therapy, some men opt for testosterone replacement therapy or TRT. While it has shown effectiveness for reducing andropause symptoms, it does not trigger the body to make its own testosterone and it comes with side effects for some men. DHEA supplements offer another alternative. DHEA is a 'parent hormone' that the body turns into testosterone in men and estrogen in women. Currently, some people use DHEA to increase muscle mass, strength, and energy, but because it is a steroid, it is banned by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Many men also use DHEA for erectile dysfunction or ED.

Men experiencing declining testosterone can benefit from a variety of healthy lifestyle choices. These include:

Nine out of ten men over the age of 60 experience problems with their prostate, the small walnut-shaped gland that manufactures seminal fluid. The most common condition that men develop is an enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in medical terms. While it doesn't cause prostate cancer, an enlarged prostate presses on the urethra, which can affect urine flow. Doctors prescribe medications to treat an enlarged prostate and sometimes recommend removal, but many men take advantage of natural intervention with three herbs for prostate health.

Saw Palmetto

Saw palmetto is one of the most well-known herbs for prostate health. Part of the palm family, saw palmetto gets its medicinal qualities from its berries. Many cultures have used the dark brown berries for centuries to treat various urinary and reproductive health problems.

Several clinical trials have compared the effectiveness of saw palmetto for BPH against a commonly prescribed drug, Proscar. A review of these trials featuring nearly 3,000 male participants showed that men using saw palmetto experienced an improvement in urinary tract symptoms of 28 percent, an improvement in peak urine flow of 24 percent, and an improvement in general urine flow of 43 percent. Men who took Proscar experienced similar outcomes, and both treatments proved more beneficial than placebo.

As yet, scientists don't know how saw palmetto works to reduce BPH symptoms. Some believe it inhibits the enzyme, 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, a hormone associated with the development of BPH.

Pygeum Bark

This medicinal herb comes from the bark of the Prunus africana tree native to mountainous regions of sub-Saharan Africa. Traditionally South African tribal communities powdered the bark and made it into a tea for treatment of genital and urinary problems. In modern times, people use pygeum bark to treat various health issues including BPH. A review study analyzing 18 trials with over 1,500 participants looked at the effect of pygeum bark on general BPH symptoms. Participants taking pygeum experienced a significant improvement of symptoms overall as compared to participants who took placebo.

Stinging Nettle

Part of the nettle family of plants, stinging nettle can be found in Asia, Europe, North Africa, and North America. The medicinal properties in its leaves provide relief for a variety of health problems from joint pain to allergies. Many studies have shown that stinging nettle in combination with other herbs like saw palmetto may relieve general BPH symptoms. Scientists aren't sure how stinging nettle works to relieve symptoms, but active ingredients might influence hormones present in the male body or work directly on prostate cells.

Many people prefer a natural route when it comes to managing or preventing illness. Numerous studies have shown the benefits of herbs for prostate health. Because herbs can interact with medications and cause side effects in some people, it is wise to always check with a health care provider before engaging in a supplementary regimen.

Extending our life spans to enjoy more of those “golden years” is the goal of almost all societies. There are never ending studies being conducted in hospitals, clinics and research laboratories around the globe to find the most effective anti-aging products that will turn back the clock.

The Three Anti-Aging Amigos

What are the best anti-aging compounds that should be in your diet? Vitamin C and E are widely known as powerful free radical erasers, but there are other lesser-known compounds that are quickly rising to the top of the list of most powerful antioxidants.

Resveratrol

This polyphonic compound is found naturally in peanuts, grapes, red wine and many berries. Since resveratrol is easily absorbed and metabolized by the human body, it can quickly begin neutralizing cell damaging free radicals.

Research is showing that resveratrol significantly helps to slow down the spread of certain cancers, cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s. In animal studies for years, and now in human studies, resveratrol has been shown to reduce the narrowing of blood vessels lessening the risk of heart attacks (the number one killer of men and women in this country!) and strokes.

Most of its anti-aging benefits come from resveratrol’s anti-inflammatory response in the body. Chronic inflammation has long been linked to diseases of the cardiovascular system, the gums, joints and other organs.

This is a carotenoid pigment found in trout, microalgae, yeast, crab, lobster and is highly concentrated in Pacific salmon. It is what gives the fish flesh its pinkish hue. New research over the past decade has been slow because it is very expensive to obtain, but the medical community is finding out that this is one very powerful antioxidant!

Astaxanthin (pronounced asta-ZAN-thin) is a potent anti-inflammatory and pain blocker. It reduces the inflammatory compounds that are the source of many chronic diseases and works like prescription analgesics (pain relievers) but is completely natural. It is especially effective at suppressing levels of C reactive protein, a known cause of heart disease.

Some researchers theorize that astaxanthin is highly concentrated in Pacific salmon to give them the muscular endurance to swim upstream when they migrate. It improves blood flow to muscles and reduces the amount of oxidative stress they suffer when working hard and helps increase endurance.

Finally, when applied topically, astaxanthin helps smooth out wrinkles and diminish age spots.

CoQ10

Coenzyme Q10 helps converts food into energy and is found in almost every cell of the human body. The reason CoQ10 is as important as an anti-aging compound lies in its ability to lower blood pressure, help control blood glucose levels and neutralize free radicals ravaging cells.

Studies have shown that patients who took CoQ10 after a heart attack were less likely to have another one and had less chest pain than those who did not take it. Smaller studies involving people have also shown it to lower blood pressure.

Those with high cholesterol tend to have low levels of CoQ10 in their bodies. Though sufficient research has not been done to link this to improving cholesterol levels there has been some studies done showing taking it with prescription statins reduces the pain associated with statin treatment and restores normal cholesterol levels in the body.

An anti-aging diet must contain a lot of greens. Immediately you might think about broccoli, lettuce, peas, green beans, etc. Well, these are all great green foods to have in your diet, but there are a few others you might be interested in that are nutritional powerhouses and should also be a part of your regular diet.

Alfalfa

Called the King of Grains, alfalfa’s not just for cows anymore. This remarkable plant shoots its roots 20 to 30 feet down to draw out minerals from the soil not available near the surface. It is a rich source of vitamins, A, B1, B6, C, E and K, which are critical to maintaining a health immune system.

Alfalfa also helps prevent heart disease, the number one killer in this country, by preventing the absorption of cholesterol in the gut. That makes it a good green to toss into your next salad.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. It also has long been known for its skin healing and softening effects as a treatment for sun burns, eczema and psoriasis, just to name a few.

Recent clinical evidence suggests that this gel-filled plant is highly effective at fighting tumors that can cause colorectal cancer. Its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to lower cholesterol and relieve constipation make it a good green to add to your diet. Since aloe vera does not occur naturally in foods, you will need to enjoy it juice or gel form, or take it in supplement form.

Spinach

Spinach is a unique plant; chock full of iron and vitamin C. Iron is more readily absorbed into the body when accompanied by vitamin C, so it is perfectly packaged to deliver maximum anti-aging compounds. Research shows that in addition to the powerful antioxidants it contains, spinach also helps protect the lining of the intestinal tract. This makes for a healthier immune system to help fight off colds and quickly rid the body of toxic bacteria.

Men, take note: Spinach also helps reduce the risk of developing an aggressive form of prostate cancer, so add this dark leafy green cancer fighter to your anti-aging diet.

Astragalus is known as an adaptogen. An adaptogen is something that helps the body “adapt” to the damage of physical, mental and emotional stress more quickly, before it can harm your cells and overall health. Astragalus contains antibacterial, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory compounds to help you avoid getting frequent colds, bladder infections and it helps to stimulate the immune system.

As a powerful antioxidant, astragalus also lowers cholesterol, improves heart function and protects the kidneys from disease. Look for supplements made from the root of the plant, where all the medicinal properties are contained.

Seaweed

Compounds in seaweed so closely resemble human plasma that it is a great blood purifier. It also has chelating properties, meaning it converts heavy metal pollutants in our bodies to harmless salt that we can easily excrete. Compounds found in seaweed called lignans have been shown to help treat and prevent certain types of cancers.

Seaweed is high in iodine, which stimulates the thyroid to help keep your metabolism humming along, making it a good weight loss green. The minerals in seaweed act as electrolytes to break the chemical bonds sealing fat cells, allowing excess fluids and waste trapped there to escape and be excreted from the body.

Since seaweed can be hard to find in standard grocery stores, here is a quick list of the types you should be adding to your anti-aging diet:

Nori

Kelp

Dulse

Arame

Kombu

Seeing green is a smart way to take charge of your health and add variety to your diet and lifestyle!

There's nothing like a few extra strands in the hair brush or on the shower floor to raise anxiety levels, especially for women. While once considered a male problem, roughly 80 percent of women experience some hair loss in their lifetime. On average, people lose about 100 hairs each day, but more than that could be cause for concern. While many people turn to topical products, an easy hair-thinning treatment might be hiding in the bathroom cabinet or refrigerator. Take a look at three effective vitamins for thinning hair.

Niacin

Also known as vitamin B3, niacin is an essential water-soluble vitamin that offers many healthy properties including the transformation of carbohydrates into energy. It also helps boost circulation, which benefits the scalp by delivering more oxygen to hair follicles. People can take niacin in supplement form or find it in foods like eggs, tuna, beef, mushrooms, and nuts.

Biotin

Part of the B-complex vitamins, biotin is also known as vitamin B7. It plays a role in the production of fatty acids, glucose, and certain amino acids like valine and isoleucine. A study at Harvard University found that biotin is essential for preserving the strength, texture, and appearance of hair. Although there are no studies to support biotin as a hair-thinning treatment, hair loss is one of the symptoms of biotin deficiency. While deficiency is rare, certain populations are more susceptible like athletes, the elderly, and alcoholics. Good food sources of biotin include Swiss chard, eggs, carrots, nuts, and milk.

Also one of the B-complex vitamins, Para-Aminobenzoic Acid (PABA) is a non-protein amino acid and non-essential, meaning it is manufactured by the body. Some studies show that when combined with other nutrients like folate, biotin, and pantothenic acid, PABA may restore nature color to pre-maturely graying hair, and anecdotal evidence suggests it may be one of the more important vitamins for thinning hair. People obtain PABA by taking a B-complex supplement or through foods like whole grains, liver, eggs, and brewer's yeast.

Hair loss is never fun for men or women, but the solution might be as simple as better nutrition. Getting adequate amounts of niacin, biotin, and PABA may help pave the road to stronger, healthier hair. Easy delivery methods include adding specific foods to the diet or convenient, daily supplements.

Hair today might be gone tomorrow for some men and women experiencing hair loss. While genetics sometimes plays a part, men become susceptible to thinning hair when testosterone converts to DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a form of the hormone that affects the follicles. For females, a sluggish thyroid or menopausal hormone changes are often to blame. The possibility of balding can cause acute emotional distress, and people spend millions on products promising to bring back their lost tresses. While conventional treatments like Minoxidil and Propecia have shown positive results, many people worry about side effects that could accompany long-term use. Natural remedies offer a safer alternative. Check out five effective herbs for thinning hair.

Horsetail

Providing double the benefits, horsetail makes one of the best herbs for thinning hair. It offers potent anti-inflammatory properties that boost circulation and build stronger hair follicles. It also contains silica, a trace mineral linked to improved hair health and hair growth. Many people with dandruff benefit from shampoos containing horsetail extract.

Stinging Nettle

Found in abundance in North America, stinging nettle helps prevent the conversion of testosterone into DHT, making it a good product for men and some women. People can take this herb in a supplement form, find it in shampoos, or make their own topical treatment. Placing stinging nettle leaves into a jar of olive oil for a period of three weeks makes a good topical hair loss treatment according to some herbalists.

Saw Palmetto

Saw palmetto is another herb for thinning hair that helps prevent the conversion of testosterone into DHT, and it contains anti-inflammatory benefits. Research shows that saw palmetto offers enhanced effectiveness when combined with stinging nettle. While it may help prevent further hair loss, studies on hair growth are still in preliminary stages. People can purchase saw palmetto dried or in teas, capsules, and tinctures.

Also called channeled wrack, the herb Pelvetia canaliculata comes from seaweed. It contains powerful antioxidants ─ comparable to vitamin E ─ that revitalize the scalp. Channeled wrack also offers DHT-inhibiting properties, and it is used in many shampoos and other hair care products.

Green Tea Leaf

In addition to offering many other health benefits, potent catechins found in green tea leaves inhibit the formation of DHT like many of the herbs mentioned above. According to some herbalists, men might reduce risks for male pattern baldness by drinking several cups of green tea daily or taking green tea supplements.

Although conventional hair loss treatments offer positive results in some people, many worry about the effects of certain man-made chemicals over the long term. That's why many people turn to remedies like herbs for thinning hair. The five herbs above offer effective hair-boosting therapies wrapped in a safe and natural package.

Most people are aware that as we age, our bone density decreases. Unfortunately the decline typically begins in our early thirties. It's important to know how to increase bone density from an early age, in order to preserve what you have and give yourself the best bone health in older age.

Family history, diet, and the amount of bone we amass as a teenager, are all contributing factors towards our overall bone density. The more bone mass we have, the less likely we are to succumb to osteoporosis in later life. Although you cannot alter your genetic makeup, you can learn how to increase bone density through your diet.

Along with calcium, these three vitamins are the key to bone health.

How to Increase Bone Density with Vitamin D

No matter how much calcium you include in your diet, what really matters is the amount of calcium your body is able to breakdown and use. Vitamin D is crucial for maintaining strong bones as it helps the body absorb calcium.

It’s easy to meet the vitamin D recommended daily allowance (RDA) of 600IU from any or all of the following sources. Around 15 minutes exposure to sunlight three times a week will help the body produce vitamin D. Make sure you eat plenty of shrimp, vitamin-fortified cereal, orange juice, sardines, tuna and eggs, and replace any possible shortfall with a vitamin D supplement.

How to Increase Bone Density with Vitamin K

In tests, it appears that vitamin K works best in synergy with vitamin D. While vitamin D boosts calcium absorption into the bones, vitamin K reduces the amount of calcium the body excretes. Vitamin K is important for providing protein to maintain healthy bones, so make sure you get your daily quota of vitamin K from green leafy vegetables such as kale, Swiss chard, spinach and broccoli.

How to Increase Bone Density with Vitamin A

Another important vitamin for those wanting to increase bone density is vitamin A (retinol). The RDA is currently 2330 IU (700 mcg) for women and 3000 IU (900 mcg) for men. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin found naturally in carrots, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, fish, liver and tropical fruits. In order to be absorbed, it needs to be consumed with some fat to make it effective. Vitamin A can be taken as part of a daily vitamin supplement, but this is one vitamin that should not be taken to excess. An excess of vitamin A can cause a decrease in bone density, similar to a deficiency of vitamin A, so use caution and stick with the recommended daily allowance for your gender.

It seems the key to how to increase bone density lies in eating plenty of leafy green vegetables, enjoying red/orange colored fruits and getting out in natural daylight. It's not too difficult!

Treating rosacea, an unsightly skin disorder that is characterized by red skin on the cheeks, chin, nose and forehead, requires careful monitoring of the condition. Left untreated, the affected skin will thicken, become even ruddier with visible blood vessels and pimple-like bumps may form.

Rosacea is among the many different types of skin rashes. It usually manifests itself after age 30 and is more prevalent in women and those with fair skin. However, it can affect men and they often have the most severe symptoms, which includes the thickening skin and red, watery eyes.

While there is no cure for these skin rashes, carefully avoiding triggers that worsen the condition and taking simple precautions can lessen the symptoms of rosacea.

Following this step-by-step guide can be part of an effective rosacea treatment plan.

Step One: Diet

There is plenty of medical research to link diet and rosacea. A 2003 National Rosacea Society study found that foods like hot sausage or peppers, black, red and white pepper, the spice paprika, garlic and vinegar are particularly virulent triggers that can cause a rosacea skin rash to worsen.

The best way to avoid a worsening of the condition when it comes to your diet is to keep a food journal carefully noting which foods seem to make worsen your symptoms, so you can more easily avoid them as much as possible.

In addition to spicy foods, highly acidic fruits, fried foods, sugar, caffeinated beverages, and alcoholic beverages have all been linked to an increase in rosacea symptoms.

Step Two: Cosmetic Products

The cosmetic products you use can definitely affect your rosacea. It is critical that you consult with your dermatologist to formulate a skin-care plan immediately after a rosacea diagnosis. There are companies that make cosmetics specifically for rosacea sufferers.

When cleansing your face, be particularly careful with the cleanser you choose. Zinc containing soaps have shown to be a safe way to cleanse your skin and for treating rosacea.

Many facial cleansers have harsh ingredients that can worsen your condition. Avoid those with salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or glycolic acid.

Avoid scrubbing your face too hard and pat your skin dry with a fresh, soft cloth, rather than rub it with a towel. If your skin is oily, use an oil-free moisturizer. If you have particularly dry skin, a lightweight moisturizer is still best, while an oil ingredient may be okay.

Step Three: Sunscreen

Using sunscreen daily is critical to anyone treating rosacea. Exposure to sun can quickly worsen the redness and irritation. After you cleanse and moisturize your face, apply a layer of sunscreen of at least SPF 15 (SPF 30 is better) using a product, which contains zinc oxide, a physical sun blocker.

Once a day is not enough either. You will need to reapply sunscreen at least once even if you are indoors and as frequently as every two hours if you are outside for long periods of time. A hat and eye protection, like sunglasses, is also a good idea if you are outdoors for an extended period of time. Again, take note of which sunscreens your skin can tolerate, as sunscreens too can aggravate skin conditions.

Step Four: Supplements

A high quality multivitamin is part of any effective rosacea treatment plan. Find one that contains at least 25-100 milligrams of B-complex vitamins.

B2 (also known as riboflavin) has been shown to be especially effective in lessening rosacea symptoms. It helps the skin secret more mucous to aid in repair from damage due to rosacea.

Since many researchers believe rosacea sufferers have a disorder in the blood vessels just beneath the skin, vitamin C, zinc and copper supplements are often recommended. These nutrients are essential for healthy blood vessels, capillaries and connective tissues.

Treating Rosacea

Just because there is no known cure for rosacea does not mean you must suffer with unsightly, irritated red skin. Working with your dermatologist and following this checklist can help you keep rosacea symptoms in check.